What can it do?

Welcome to the beta Arthritis Virtual Assistant. At the moment it can give you general information about your condition and medication, and provide you with useful exercises to help manage your arthritis.

Why do we need your help?

The Arthritis Virtual Assistant has been built to learn and improve with every use. That way, whenever you use it, you’re indirectly helping another person get the answers that they need for their arthritis.

What can you ask?

You'll get the best response if your question relates to a single type of arthritis, and is expressed as clearly and simply as possible. For example, "What are the best exercises for osteoarthritis?" or "What are the side effects of methotrexate?"

Are you sure you want to close your conversation?

Your conversation will not be visible the next time you visit the Arthritis Virtual Assistant. If you want to keep a copy of the advice you've been given, you can print it using the button at the top of the chat window.

Arthritis Virtual Assistant

The Arthritis Virtual Assistant is being developed into a brand new type of tool which will help you to get the answers you need for your type of arthritis.

This automated chat service is designed to provide general information about your condition and ways you can manage it. It’s been developed from over 80 years of our research work and also learns from the experiences of its users. It’s a ‘beta’ version which means it’s still learning from you, and others. It uses artificial intelligence to decide which are the best responses to give you and it will improve each time it’s used. The better the information we can provide then the more people we can help to manage their condition too.

The advice in this service isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice so we’d always recommend speaking to your doctor about your treatment. When you use the Arthritis Virtual Assistant, you’ll be asked for your first name and the type of arthritis you have, there’s no need to tell us anything more personal than that.

Want to learn more about arthritis?

Osteoarthritis

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects your joints, causing pain and stiffness. It’s by far the most common form of joint disease, affecting people all over the world and at least 8 million people in the UK. Read more

How does a normal joint work?

A joint is where two or more bones meet. The joint allows your bones to move freely but within controlled limits. Read more

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Symptoms of osteoarthritis can include pain, stiffness, a grating or grinding sensation when you move the joint, and soft or hard swellings.Read more

What causes osteoarthritis?

Almost anyone can get osteoarthritis but certain factors can increase your risk, for example if you’re in your late 40s or older, you’re overweight or you're female. Read more

Which joints are affected by osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it most commonly affects the knees, hips, neck and back, big toe and fingers. Read more

What are the possible complications of osteoarthritis?

Possible complications of osteoarthritis include an increased risk of crystals developing in the joint(s) leading to gout or a condition called chondrocalcinosis. Read more

What is the outlook for osteoarthritis?

Sometimes osteoarthritis can develop quite quickly, but often it’s a slow process that develops over many years. The level of pain also differs a great deal from one person to another. Read more

How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?

Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and an examination. X-rays are sometimes useful to confirm a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, although they won’t often be needed. Read more

What can I do to help myself if I have osteoarthritis?

There are many different self-help methods for osteoarthritis, including weight management, exercise, reducing the strain on your joints and complementary therapies. Read more

What treatments are there for osteoarthritis?

A combination of over-the-counter painkillers and self-help methods may be all you need for your osteoarthritis, but if your pain is severe your doctor may suggest other treatments. Read more

Living with osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can affect many different areas of your life, including your work, sleep and mood. But there are ways you can help yourself. Read more

Research and new developments for osteoarthritis

Arthritis Research UK is funding many studies find and test new treatments for osteoarthritis. Read more

For more information, go to www.arthritisresearchuk.org.Arthritis Research UK fund research into the cause, treatment and cure of arthritis. You can support Arthritis Research UK by volunteering, donating or visiting our shops.